County, City Authorities Will Keep An Eye Out For You

The holidays are always popular times for travel.  Families make arrangements to visit relatives or go on vacation.  But authorities say arrangements should also be made to keep your home safe.

There is a combination of things residents can do to help prevent burglars from striking while they are away, especially those that don't have an alarm system in their homes, Chief Lee O'Dillon said in an interview earlier this year.

"The best thing is, if you've got a family member to keep a constant eye out, or a close neighbor you can confide in," he said. 

If you will be gone for an extended period of time, you may also notify Watkinsville Police and ask for your home to be placed on the "Extra Patrol List," O'Dillon said.  The list is confidential, and officers are more than happy to step up patrols in your area while you and your family are away.

The also invites citizens to submit requests for security checks. To download a form, click here.

The service is available year-round and annually requests number into the hundreds, officials say.

"This has been a longstanding service, and it isn't just for holidays," the Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook. "Anytime that you are going to be away from home you can request the house checks. With the holidays coming up, we simply wanted to remind everyone."